Motte clears major mental hurdle in second live BP session since Tommy John surgery

Fox Sports Midwest | Mar 18

Cardinals right-hander Jason Motte is finding out that returning from Tommy John surgery requires patience as much as a good surgeon. The process can take upwards of 12 to 18 months, and includes baby step after baby step.

Still less than 11 months since his surgery, Motte cleared another hurdle Monday morning when he pitched his second live batting practice session. He said he felt much less apprehensive and more in control this time out than when he faced hitters Friday.

"One of the big things is getting over that (tentativeness)," Motte said. "It's like, 'OK, I can throw this and it's not going to fall off.' (The arm)'s doing what it should do. You just have to trust it. Today was a big step in me doing that."

Motte said he expects to throw a third BP session Friday. If all goes well, he then could make an appearance in a spring game sometime next week, likely in a minor-league game. Once he handles that step, he still will need to strengthen the arm enough to allow him to pitch on consecutive days. Whenever he comes back, he does not want to be limited in a way that could hurt the club.